Canary Grass (Phalaris canariensis) is a plant belonging to the family Poaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. It is commercially cultivated for birdseed, hence its name. It is used as food in the Canary Islands, Italy, and North America.
Canary grass is a large, coarse, erect plant with smooth stems, usually grow from 0.6-1.8 m tall. The gradually tapering leaf blades are 9-25 cm long, 0.5-2 cm wide, often harsh on both sides. Single flowers are produced in dense clusters from May to mid-June or August. The inflorescences are initially green or slightly purple, then mature into a tan color.
The shiny-brown seeds are used as bird food, and generally mixed with rapeseed and other seeds to cheapen it. The seeds should be kept in a dry place and away from vermin. A flour made from the seeds is employed in the manufacture of fine cotton goods and silk stuffs.
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